Dispenser for a washing apparatus



Sept. 17, 1968 w. H. STOUD'ER DISPENSER FOR A WASHING APPARATUS Filed May 12, 1967 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 iwzm Sept- 7, 1968 w. H. STOUDER 3,401,835

I DISPENSER FOR A WASHING APPARATUS Filed May 12, 1967 2 Sheets-Sheet 3 ywjm United States Patent 3,401,835 DISPENSER FOR A WASHING APPARATUS William H. Stouder, Newton, Iowa, assignor to The Maytag Company, Newton, Iowa, a corporation of Delaware Filed May 12, 1967, Ser. No. 643,006 11 Claims. (Cl. 222-70) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A dispenser for a dishwasher in which a multicompartment additive container includes a portion pivotally mounted within the washing chamber and wherein one compartment is openable at the top and bottom. The material from a first compartment is dispensed into the chamber by spray action of the washing fluid while the container is in a first position. The material from a second compartment is dispensed into the chamber upon pivotal movement of the container to a second position in which the second compartment is open at both top and bottom ends.

Background 0 the invention Field of the inventi0n.This invention relates to a dispenser for a washing apparatus and more particularly to an improved container construction in a detergent dispenser for a dishwasher.

Description of the prior art-Prior art patents show various dispenser constructions in which an additive container is pivotally oberable for dispensing the additive or in which an additive container includes a drop bottom for dispensing the additive. These constructions allow for spraying of washing fluid up into or down into the container to complete the dispensing of the additive and to clean out the container. The dispensing and cleaning, however, are sometimes incomplete and a buildup of detergent or other additives occurs in some areas of the additive container.

Summary of the invention The instant invention provides an improved dispenser construction in a washing apparatus for achieving more effective and complete dispensing of the additive and cleaning of the additive container. The dispensing and cleaning of additive from at least one of the container compartments are accomplished by opening the compartment at both top and bottom whereby washing fluid is directed through the compartment and also onto the associated portions.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an additive dispenser having an improved container construction for achieving improved dispensing of the additive and improved cleaning of the container.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved sequentially operable additive dispenser for a washing apparatus.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an additive dispenser having an improved container construction including a compartment-defining portion movable from a fixed bottom portion to facilitate dispensing of the additive and cleaning of the dispenser.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a dispenser for a washing apparatus having a plurality of compartments and being operable for eflecting sequential dispensing of a plurality of washing additive charges at predetermined positions within the cycle of operations.

Operation of the invention and further objects and advantages thereof will become evident as the description proceeds and from an examination of the accompanying 3,401,835 Patented Sept. 17, 1968 ice two pages of drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and in which similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout several views.

Brief description of the drawings FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary portion of a dishwashing apparatus partially cut away to show the instant invention;

FIGURE 2 is a view of the dispenser latching arrangement of the instant invention as taken along lines 22 of FIGURE 1;

FXGURE 3 is a view of the dispenser construction as taken along lines 33 of FIGURE 1 and showing the additive dispenser partially in a vertical cross section; and

FIGURE 4 is a view similar to FIGURE 3 and shows the additivve container in its pivoted position.

Description of the preferred embodiment Referring to FIGURE 1, there is shown a fragmentary upper portion of a dishwashing apparatus partially cut away to show the interior thereof. The dishwasher includes a cabinet 10 comprising a wall member including the front wall portion 11 shown in FIGURE 1 and defining an upwardly opened washing chamber 14. The dishwasher as shown in FIGURE 1 includes a hinged top cover 15 for closing the washing chamber and further includes a gasket member 16 disposed between the cabinet 10 and the top cover 15 to seal the washing chamber 14 and prevent leakage of wash fluids therefrom. A handle 17 is provided for operating the top cover 15 between open and closed positions.

The dishwasher apparatus further includes a front panel 18 that cooperates with the front wall 11 of the dishwasher cabinet 10 to provide a housing for enclosing control components such as a timer (not shown).

Disposed within the washing chamber 14 are means for effecting a washing of the dishes and related items which may be positioned therein. The washing means generally includes a lower fluid spraying apparatus such as a rotatable spray arm (not shown). A lower spray arm, if used by itself, would effect an upward direction of fluid flow which would impinge on the lower side of the top cover 15 and be redirected downwardly therefrom. In addition to a lower spray arm, improved operation may be achieved by provision of an upper spray arm 21 as is shown in FIGURE 1. The fluid spray apparatus provides a washing fluid action throughout the entire washing compartment to effect the cleansing of the articles therein.

It has been found desirable in dishwashing apparatus to provide dispensing devices within the washing chamber for adding to the washing fluid various detergents and water softeners and other chemicals designed to improve effectiveness of the washing operation. The present invention is related to an improved dispenser apparatus that is positioned within the washing chamber 14 adjacent the front wall 11 thereof and near the top opening for easy accessibility by the operator.

Referring now to FIGURES 1 through 4, there is shown a washing additive dispenser apparatus 22 that includes container means 23 for receiving the additive or additives and wherein the container means 23 includes a movable portion 24 defining first and second compartments 27, 28 and further includes a hired portion 29 for closing the otherwise open bottom of the second compartment 28. The movable portion 24 of the dispenser is pivotally mounted adjacent the front wall 11 by rnounting means 30 including a pivot pin 31. The dispenser apparatus 22 further includes a pivotally operable lid portion 32, means for latching the movable portion of the container means in a first operative position as shown in FIGURE 2 and indicated generally by 35, and a spring member 36 for biasing and operating the movable portion 24 of the container means 23 from the first operative position to a second operative position. A stationary guard means 37 is provided in the washing chamber 14 juxtaposed to the container means 23 for preventing articles within the washing chamber 14 from interfering with the container means 23 during movement of the movable portion 24 to the second position as shown in FIGURE 4.

The movable portion 24 of the container means 23 has two compartments 27, 28 for receiving first and second quantities of a given additive or for receiving quantities of two separate additives for sequential dispensing into the washing chamber. The first compartment 27 is open in an upwardly direction and includes a cup-like bottom 38 free of sharp corners and recesses. The compartment 27 is disposed for receiving a first additive and is further disposed for receiving washing fluid upon operation of the water distribution system within the dishwashing apparatus to dispense additive from the first compartment 27 into the washing chamber 14.

The movable portion 24 further includes a housing wall member 39 attached to and movable with that portion defining the first compartment 27 This housing wall member 39 defines a sleeve or a second compartment 28 having an upwardly opening top and a downwardly opening bottom as seen in FIGURE 3.

The fixed portion 29 of the container means 23 is mounted adjacent to the chamber wall 11 and includes a platform portion 42 resiliently supported adjacent to the lower end of the housing wall member 39. The platform portion 42 is formed of a resilient material and is substantially flat for sealing engagement by the lower end of said housing wall member 39 to close the bottom opening thereof upon movement of the movable portion 24 to its first position as shown in FIGURE 3. The platform portion 42 engageable by the housing wall member 39 is free of hinges, recesses and the like, and therefore is easily cleaned by impinging washing fluid.

The lid portion 32 is hinged by hinge means to the container means 23 for movement with the movable portion 24. The lid 32 is manually operable between a position over the first compartment 27 and a position over the housing wall member 39 after filling of the second compartment 28 for closing the top opening of the second compartment 28 to substantially prevent entry of washing fluid while the movable port-ion 24 remains in the first position. The lid portion 32 is freely pivotable for movement to an open position upon movement of the movable portion 24 to the second position as shown in FIGURE 4.

The movable portion 24 of the container means 23 is pivotally mounted on the front wall 11 of said washing chamber 14 by an arrangement including the pivot pin 31 extending through the front wall 11 for disposing the container means 23 within said washing chamber 14 and the latching and operating mechanisms 35, 36 within the control housing. The movable portion 24 of the container means 23 is fixed to the pivot pin 31 by an interlocking engagement with the head 44 of the pivot pin 31.

A condition of free rotation of the movable portion 24 of the container means 23 relative to the front panel 11 while maintaining a fluid seal at the front panel 11 is achieved by an arrangement as shown in FIGURE '1. This arrangement includes a spindle 48 extending through an opening 49 in the front wall 11 and a nut 50 threadingly engageable with the end of the spindle 48 that extends into the control housing to clamp the spindle 48 to the front wall 11. The movable portion 24 and pivot pin 31 are coaxially supported by the spindle 48.

An O-ring 51, positioned between a shoulder of the spindle and the recess in the movable portion 24, prevents leakage of fluid from the washing chamber 14 around the left end of the spindle 48 as shown in FIGURE 1 and along the pivot pin 31 outwardly into the control housing. First and second seal washers 54, 55 and a gasket 55 are provided adjacent the opening 49 in the front wall 11 to prevent leakage of fluid from the washing chamber 14 through the opening 49. A water deflector 57 is positioned on the pivot pin 31 within the control housing to deflect or direct water which may succeed in bypassing the provided seals. A thrust washer 58 is provided between the clamping nut 50 and the water deflector 57.

A latch wheel 61 is mounted on the pivot pin 31 in engagement with a roll pin 62 extending diametrically through the pivot pin 31 for effecting common rotation of the pivot pin 31 and latch wheel 61. The latch wheel 61 is retained in a predetermined axial position adjacent the roll pin 62 by a push-on retainer 63. The container positioning means or latching and operating mechanism as shown by FIGURE 2 is disposed adjacent the latch wheel 61 within the control housing.

As best seen in FIGURE 2, the latch wheel 61 includes a recess 64 on its outer periphery for receiving a bimetal latch arm 65 supported by a fixed bracket 68 for preventing rotation of the spring biased latch wheel 61. The bimetal latch arm 65 which engages the latch wheel 61 is provided with a resistance heater 69 connected between the terminals 70, 71 adjacent the wall mounted bracket 68. The heater 69 is energizable by the timer mechanism (not shown) at a predetermined position in the cycle of operations to effect heating of the bimetal latch arm 65 to effect bending and thus disengagement thereof from the latch wheel 61. The latch wheel 61 also receives a cotter pin 72 to which is attached one end of the biasing spring 36. The other end of the biasing spring 36 is attached to the bracket 68 which is fixedly mounted on the exterior side of the wash ing chamber wall member 11.

A guard member 37 is positioned adjacent the additive container means 23 to prevent articles from being placed within the washing chamber in the path of the movable portion 24 of the container means 23 as it operates between the first and second positions. This guard 37 includes a pair of rearwardly extending posts 75, 76 through which a pair of screw members 77 extend toward and are threadingly engageable with the wall member 11 to attach the guard 37 to the surface of the wall member 11. The guard 37 also includes a rearwardly extending post 78 adjacent the guard mounting post 76 which in conjunction with the adjacent post 76 supports the resilient supporting portion 79 of the housing bottom 29.

It is believed that the invention is clear from the above description of the dispensing apparatus. A review of a cycle of operations, however, would further assist in showing the advantages of the dispensing apparatus. The first step is for the operator to manually return the movable portion 24 to the first position as shown in FIGURE 3. The operator will then fill the first and second compartments 27, 28 and, upon completing such filling, will position the lid 32 over the second compartment 28 as shown in FIGURE 3. The dispenser is now in condition for operation of the dishwashing apparatus. The operator may then close the top cover 15 and actuate the washing cycle through control means (not shown).

Upon operation of the spray arm 21 or other fluid distributing means within the washing chamber 14, fluid is directed into the first compartment 27 for initiating the dispensing of the additive from the first compartment 27. The dispensing of the first additive will continue during operation of the spray arm 21 until the first compartment 27 is substantially empty of the first additive.

At a predetermined position in the cycle of operations, such as at the beginning of a second wash or at the beginning of a rinse, the timer eflects energization of the heater 69. As the bimetal latch arm 65 is heated, it flexes to release the latch wheel 61 so that the latch wheel is rotated in a clockwise direction as shown in FIGURE 2 to pivot the movable container portion 24 in a counterclockwise direction as shown in FIGURE 3 to the dispensing position as shown in FIGURE 4. This pivot operation moves the movable portion 24 away from the bottom 42 of the second compartment 28 to release and dispense the additive from the second compartment 28 into the washing chamber 14. The washing fluid is then allowed to be sprayed into the first compartment 27 from below, fluid is sprayed through the second compartment 28, and fluid is sprayed onto the lid portion 32, bottom portion 29, and guard member 37 to completely clean the dispenser apparatus of the additives which have been contained within the first and second compartments 27, 28.

It is thus seen that the dispenser of the instant invention is operable for achieving a first dispensing operation and a second delayed or programmed dispensing operation with a predetermined cycle of operations. The device is etfective for achieving a more complete dispensing of the additive and a more complete cleansing of the additive apparatus.

In the drawings and specification, there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, these are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Changes in form and the proportion of parts as well as the substitution of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention as further defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. In a washing apparatus including a wall defining a washing chamber, means for spraying washing fluid within said chamber, and timing means for controlling said washing apparatus through a cycle of operations, wherein the improvement comprises: container means in said washing chamber and mounted on said chamber wall and including a movable portion operable between first and second positions, said movable portion including a housing wall member defining a compartment having a top opening and a bottom opening, said container means further including a bottom portion engageable with said housing wall member for closing said bottom opening to condition said compartment for receiving a washing additive when said movable portion is in said first position, a lid portion positionable juxtaposed to the top opening of said housing wall member While said movable portion is in said first position for closing said top opening to substantially prevent entry of washing fluid into said compartment, and container positioning means for retaining said movable portion in said first position during at least a portion of said cycle of operations and for moving said movable portion to said second position at a predetermined time in said cycle of operations, movement of said movable portion to said second position being etfective for removing said lid portion from said top opening and removing said housing wall from said bottom portion member whereby said additive from said compartment is dispensed into said chamber and said washing fluid from said spraying means is directed into said compartment and onto said lid and bottom portions.

2. In a washing apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said movable portion is pivotally mounted on said chamber wall and wherein said bottom portion is relatively fixed on said chamber wall and resiliently engageable with said housing wall member for closing said bottom opening.

3. In a washing apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said container positioning means includes latch means for retaining said movable portion in said first position and further includes biasing means for operating said movable portion to said second position upon release of said latch means.

4. In a washing apparatus including a wall defining a washing chamber, means for spraying washing fluid within said chamber, and timing means for controlling said washing apparatus through a cycle of operations, wherein the improvement comprises: container means within said washing chamber and mounted on said chamber wall and including a movable portion operable between first and second positions, said container means including a first compartment defined at least in part by said movable portion and adapted to receive a first washing additive with said movable portion in said first position and to receive washing fluid from said spraying means for dispensing said first additive into said chamber, said movable portion further including a housing wall member defining a second compartment having a top opening and a bottom opening, said container means further including a bottom portion engageable with said housing wall member for closing said bottom opening to condition said second compartment for receiving a second washing additive when said movable portion is in said first position, a lid portion cooperable with said housing wall member while said movable portion is in said first position for closing said top opening to substantially prevent entry of washing fluid into said second compartment, and container positioning means for retaining said movable portion in said first position during at least a portion of said cycle of operations and for moving said movable portion to said second position at a predetermined time in said cycle of operations, movement of said movable portion to said second position being effective for removing said lid portion from said top opening and said housing wall from said bottom portion member for dispensing said second additive from said second compartment into said chamber.

5. In a washing apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said container positioning means includes latch means for retaining said movable portion in said first position and further includes biasing means for operating said movable portion to said second position upon release of said latch means.

6. In a washing apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said movable portion is pivotally mounted on said chamber wall and wherein said first compartment is in the form of an upwardly opening cup defined by said movable portion.

7. In a Washing apparatus as defined in claim 6 and wherein said bottom portion is fixedly mounted relative to said chamber wall and resiliently engageable with said housing wall member for closing said bottom opening and wherein said lid portion is pivotally hinged to said housing wall member for closing said top opening.

8. In a washing apparatus as defined in claim 7 and further including guard means juxtaposed said container means for preventing interference with pivotal movement of said movable portion.

9. In a washing apparatus including a wall defining a washing chamber, means for spraying washing fluid within said chamber, and timing means for controlling said washing apparatus through a cycle of operations, wherein the improvement comprises: container means in said washing chamber and mounted on said chamber wall and including a movable portion pivotally operable between first and second positions, means for latching said movable portion in said first position, said container means defining a first compartment adapted to receive a first washing additive with said movable portion in said first position and to receive washing fluid from said spraying means for dispensing said first additive into said chamber, said movable portion including a housing wall member defining a top opening and a bottom opening, said container means further including a bottom portion fixed to said chamber wall and engageable with said housing wall member for closing said bottom opening to form a second compartment for receiving a second washing additive when said movable portion is in said first position, a movable lid portion associated with said housing wall member for closing said top opening to substantially prevent entry of washing fluid into said second compartment while said movable portion is in said first position, said timing means being operable for initiating release of said latch ing means at a predetermined position in said cycle of operations, and means for biasing and, upon release of said latching means, for moving said movable portion to said second position, said housing wall member being movable from said bottom portion and said lid portion being movable to an open position upon movement of said movable portion to said second position for dispensing said second additive into said chamber.

10. In a washing apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein said latching means includes a bimetal latch arm and a resistance heating means selectively energizable under the control of said timing means for eifecting movement of said bimetal latch arm.

11. In a Washing apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein said lid portion is pivotally mounted on said movable portion for movement from its closed position to its open position relative to said housing Wall member upon movement of said movable portion to said second position.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 835,988 11/1906 Swartz 222-162 2,504,622 4/1950 Band et al. 222-162 3,013,568 12/1961 Getchell et a1. 222-70 XR 3,038,640 6/1962 Braga et a1. 222-70 3,044,667 7/ 1962 Lucas 222-70 3,062,412 11/1962 Cushing 222-70 3,102,664 9/1963 Lines 222-70 3,130,738 4/1964 Kays et a1. 222-70 3,344,957 10/1967 Duncan et a1 222-70 WALTER SOBIN, Primary Exa'miner. 

